Laundry Debate: Wool Dryer Balls vs. Dryer Sheets – Which is Best?

onlinements 120

1. 

   Kylie August 25, 2019 at 9:01 pm MST

   I’ve always been worried essential oils will stain my clothes if I use it on my dryer balls. Anyone have this problem?

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  Kel August 26, 2019 at 3:01 am MST

  I use some lavender EO I got on Amazon whenever I dry bedding. It stains the balls, but since I drop it right on the balls and it soaks in, it doesn’t stain my clothes at all. I use 1-2 drops per ball.

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  sissar August 26, 2019 at 7:42 pm MST

  no they don’t, I have been using for long time.

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2. 

   terri August 25, 2019 at 9:31 pm MST

   I actually can’t believe there is any discussion at all..toxic chemicals in dryer sheets helllloooo! I’ve never used them and after all we know, can’t believe people like them. Crazy

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  Anne DT August 26, 2019 at 11:03 am MST

  I’m with you Terri!!

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3. 

   Alyssa August 25, 2019 at 9:33 pm MST

   I use dryer balls. If my clothes end up staticky, it’s cuz I’ve over-dried them. It only takes about 40 mins to dry a large load with them!

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   Julie August 26, 2019 at 5:42 am MST

   I’m hooked on Plant Therapy Deodorizing synergy blend to make my laundry smell amazing. Just a few drops on the wool dryer balls, the fresh smell lasts!

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   Dollar Revolution August 26, 2019 at 7:17 am MST

   Make sure to read your dryer’s manual!
   Our LG flat out says not to use dryer sheets and doing so will void the warranty. It mentions a technician can determine if they are used since there will be a film on certain onlineponents from it.
   Another article on CNET mentions dryer sheets will also leave a film on your towels, etc. and slowly make them less absorbent, as well as minimize wicking in sports attire and socks.

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) August 26, 2019 at 7:34 am MST

  Thanks so much for the helpful warning! Good to know!

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6. 

   Rebecca August 26, 2019 at 9:54 am MST

   Only dryer balls!! I put 2 drops of lavender per ball and will never go back! Fun discussion.

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7. 

   Tina August 26, 2019 at 10:18 am MST

   Wool balls are terrible. Since they are animal fur (sorry sheep), they shed or rather shred. They didn’t help with static in the winter. I regret buying them, especially after realizing where they onlinee from.

   Dryer sheets are good if you buy the right ones. Honest onlinepany makes reusable ones and some onlinepanies make onlinepostable or biodegradable ones. There are tips online about how to make your own from old cloths.

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  Marge October 21, 2021 at 1:41 pm MST

  The sheep would have a very cumbersome load of wool to wear if they are not sheared. Dryer balls are an environmentally friendly use of the natural
  wool material.

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8. 

   Rachel August 26, 2019 at 10:58 am MST

   I use neither. I don’t seem to have issues ever with static cling (probably due to the humidity in my area) and have soft water in my home. If we ever use anything scented, it is from essential oils I have previously tested. I have never liked using the dryer sheets. The wool balls look cool and all, but I had issues back in the day when the other dryer balls came out with them getting caught in pant legs. LOL. I am good with using nothing, which saves me money on both 🙂

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9. 

   Anne DT August 26, 2019 at 11:07 am MST

   Love dryer balls for all the pros mentioned above. Toxic chemicals is a big reason. (2nd: I don’t have to continually buy dry er sheets) And even better: I try to line dry as much as I can (just fluff up the towels for 5-10 minutes at the end), so no need for either 🙂

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10. 

    kanick August 26, 2019 at 11:15 am MST

    I have used wool dryer balls for a long time now. I think i’m due for a new set so thank you for this discussion. I put a few drops of lemon, or orange or lavender oil. Depends on the day. I still use dryer sheets to repel mosquitoes/bugs when we go outdoors or when we were moving, we put them at the top and bottom of boxes where we didn’t want bugs/rodents to get in. They are toxic so that was a big reason for us to stop using them in our dryer.

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11. 

    Jenny August 26, 2019 at 12:13 pm MST

    You can also reduce dryer time by including an already dry towel with your load that you’re about to dry. I have a designated towel for this purpose.

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) August 26, 2019 at 12:24 pm MST

  Oh yes! I’ve done that before too! Thanks for the helpful tip, Jenny!

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  Suzanne H August 26, 2019 at 12:46 pm MST

  Yes, I do this in addition to dryer balls. Just make sure it’s an old towel that no longer creates lint. Works great.
  I love my dryer balls – no chemicals, easy to use and they last a long time. In the winter, when I have trouble with static, I ball up some aluminum foil and throw it in the dryer as well. Problem solved.

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12. 

    Jess August 26, 2019 at 4:22 pm MST

    What about allergies? I’m allergic to animal hair. Wouldn’t using the wool dryer balls increase symptoms for allergy sufferers?

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  Jennifer (Hip Sidekick) August 26, 2019 at 5:00 pm MST

  I am allergic to a lot of animals and I don’t have issues when using these, Jess. Maybe some other readers can chime in and tell you about their experience!

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  JoAnn October 15, 2019 at 11:06 pm MST

  There’s a difference between animal hair and animal fur. Dogs that don’t shed have hair. Dogs that shed have fur. Are you allergic to clothes/coats/socks with wool in them? I’m just curious, not being hateful.

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13. 

    Pammyjo August 26, 2019 at 7:41 pm MST

    I wish everyone who could possibly use an outdoor clothesline would do so at least some of the time. I haven’t used my dryer in many years. I’m lucky that I don’t have allergies from stuff that blows around outside and I don’t have to do tons of laundry, but I wish more people who COULD use a clothesline would do it whenever they can. I hang clothes outside all year. Better for the environment to use less energy and much better for my wallet. Definitely a win/win for me. And what I find amazing (and I can’t explain this) is that it’s extremely rare for bird poop to be an issue. I guess they just aim for the car.

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  mary martin August 27, 2019 at 9:17 am MST

  i am a line dryer when i have the chance – less now then before when i was sahm, my favorite is sheets on the line – and towels – though my kids call our towels CRUNCHY – i like em – good work pammyjo!

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  Pammyjo August 27, 2019 at 9:38 am MST

  Thanks, mary martin. Those crunchy towels are invigorating after a shower! Like a gentle loofah. And for folks who say clotheslines are unsightly, I point out that the effects of climate change are even uglier. If most people in this country could skip using the dryer at least some of the time, a huge amount of energy could be saved.

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  Emilia August 27, 2019 at 10:08 am MST

  I hang my laundry outside on the line every chance I get, but then again I am one of the few who hands aren’t broken and hand wash my dishes too 🙂

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14. 

    SJ August 26, 2019 at 8:08 pm MST

    I’ve only used dryer balls. I literally cant give away all the free bounce sheets I’d gotten over the years from couponing. No one wants them.

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15. 

    mary martin August 27, 2019 at 9:15 am MST

    my brother is an appliance man – the number one thing that causes static cling is that you are running your dryer TOO high – if you have an option to lower the heat – you will notice your static cling goes away – I run my dryer at medium – only towels do I do at medium high – i never use high heat. hope this helps

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  Amber (Hip Sidekick) August 27, 2019 at 9:59 am MST

  Thanks so much for sharing that with us, Mary! Great tip!

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    Emilia August 27, 2019 at 10:09 am MST

    I hang my laundry outside on the line every chance I get, but then again I am one of the few who hands aren’t broken and hand wash my dishes too 🙂

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17. 

    Donna August 28, 2019 at 7:43 pm MST

    How many balls do you use per load? I just got mine today.

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18. 

    JoAnn October 15, 2019 at 11:22 pm MST

    I have alpaca wool balls and a sheep’s wool ball. I definitely prefer to use them over dryer sheets. Those that use dryer sheets, do this test – take out your lint filter and run some water on top of it. Generally with dryer sheets, there’s a build up on that screen (besides towels and clothes). Water doesn’t flow quickly through it because of the build up. That reduces air flow which can cause it to be a fire hazard. If you can’t give up your dryer sheets, at least wash your screen off with soap and water and let air dry frequently to remove the build up. Thank the gal above for clearing up if the essential oils stain clothes. I wondered about that. When I did use (sparingly) dryer sheets, I’d cut the sheet in thirds, inevitably my husband would be walking around school (principal) and the dryer sheet would work it’s way out of his pants leg. It’s much easier for me to find the dryer balls. 😁

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19. 

    Annet Enn November 16, 2019 at 3:44 pm MST

    I’m using dryer balls for 2 years and I’m very happy with them. I have used balls from 5-6 different manufacturers, but it seems they all are from China and some from Nepal.

    I’ve noticed that sometimes 4 balls are not enough and using 8-10 balls is the best way. Always no static!!! 🙂

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